A free kick was not paid for the off-the-ball incident, however Conca went straight into the book.

Giants players tried to remonstrate, but given Smith and Conca were almost off the ground when the incident occurred, flying the flag was difficult.

Expect Conca to argue his elbow ‘slipped’ from Smith’s back.

Jake King — the man of the people ... Picture: Tim CarrafaSource:News Corp Australia

KING OF THE CROWD

IF you don’t think Jake King is a man of the people, think again.

Halfway through the third term of yesterday’s Richmond-GWS clash at the MCG, King, who announced his retirement from AFL footy during the week, made his way into the middle of the fanatical, passionate Tigers cheersquad to say thank you for their support.

His appearance was greeted with thunderous applause and a roar almost louder than any Tigers goal kicked throughout the match.

King was undoubtedly King of Richmond. Picture: Tim CarrafaSource:News Corp Australia

King received ample high-fives and pats on the back from the Richmond faithful, congratulating him on his 107-game career.

The biggest cheer, though, was saved for when he skolled a hard-earned beer in the third row and held his empty cup up to the crowd.

Jake King — Richmond’s “Captain Charisma”.

MAN of the people: Just-retired Tiger Jake King walks among the Richmond cheer squad at the MCG to thank them for their support. Great work.

“I wasn’t happy with that. We don’t condone it, and he has got to stop doing it,” Scott said.

“Whether it is a free kick, or not ... just play the ball, mark the ball.

“We have worked on that, and I think he has improved over the last three, four or five years.”

COME ON, UMP!

NORTH Melbourne fans were up in arms during the second quarter, to say the least.

With the game still up for grabs, Geelong received a few questionable free kicks and a controversial 50-metre penalty.

Brent Harvey gave away two free kicks that resulted in two consecutive goals to Mitch Duncan and Tom Hawkins respectively, before a 50m penalty was paid against Majak Daw, gifting Joel Selwood a goal from point-blank range.

Twitter erupted! Here’s a snapshot ...

Umpiring in footy these days at it's absolute worst, killing the game! Would hate to see decide a grand final @superfooty#AFLNorthCats

IF you looked at the stats of the North Melbourne-Geelong clash for the first time and saw that Joel Selwood had kicked one goal from 29 touches and 11 marks, you’d think he’d poll another three votes. And he might still.

But young gun Cat Allen Christensen might have something to say about that.

Geelong's Allen Christensen produced his best game of the year against North Melbourne.Source:Getty Images

The 23-year-old produced his best game of the season to date, finishing with one goal from 29 touches, five clearances and eight inside 50s.

It was only Christensen’s fifth game of the year — but easily his most promising.

If “Bundy” brings that form to the finals series, he could be the difference between a Geelong win and a Geelong loss.

Adelaide’s Taylor Walker returned to form against West Coast. Picture: Sarah ReedSource:News Corp Australia

TEX ALERT

DON’T look now Brisbane, Richmond, North Melbourne and St Kilda, but Adelaide favourite son Tex Walker is close to being back to his best.

Walker took his season goals tally to 21 with four goals in yesterday’s loss to West Coast from 14 disposals and three marks.

The 24-year-old worked well up the ground, attacking Eagles defenders with gusto resulting in four frees against.

Regardless, Walker’s return to form bodes well for the Crows who must win at least three of their last four games to secure a spot in the eight.

EAGLES LEARNING TO FLY

WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson must be chuffed at the way his young and inexperienced Eagles dug in when it mattered most at Adelaide Oval yesterday.

The Eagles looked gone for all money when the Crows booted the first goals of the game.

But they responded in style with the likes of Andrew Gaff (31 disposals for three goals), Jeremy McGovern (24 possessions and six marks), Mark Hutchings (10 tackles) and Luke Shuey (nine clearances) among the chief destroyers.

Of Nic Naitanui was simply brilliant in breaking even with All-Australian bound ruckman Sam Jacobs, while Josh Kennedy kicked five to sink Adelaide.

Even Dom Sheed, despite starting as the substitute, had an impact late with eight disposals for two behinds — gettable shots.

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